Ah, the little things.
We gather up all the little things, hold them, smell them, savor them, watch them.
I think sometimes we lose our heads and spend too much time wishing for the big things.
Because really…
Aren't we all so lucky for the little things?
Morning time is so nice.
Especially with the cooler days.
I pulled the comforter over my sheets early this morning.
I was cold.
I had not used anything but a sheet to cover me for about 4 months.
Dare I say though, I feel like Goldilocks of the weather.
I want it to be not too cold, and not too hot 🙂
Anyhow, where was I?
Ah yes, mornings…
Spending some time with Genevieve while she searches for a loving home.
Warm sips.
Tails wagging.
A long morning hug from Lovee.
Standing in the kitchen, as he hands me my every morning treat which he squeezes up fresh.
Without fail.
Orange juice.
It kicks out any extra yucky stagnant sleepiness.
Then toast, and maybe some lemon-ginger tea?
A sweet if in the mood.
Cuddles from Matty Miles.
Magazines.
Book pages.
Inspirations.
Sugar cubes.
Love them.
Plus sugar holders.
Love them too.
Little.
Things.
Then it's time for sandals and a big hat.
And tending.
But first I check paint – make sure varnish is dry.
Look around the studio, see what I want to tackle when I return from the garden.
Then I head out.
These days, the little things are extra wonderful.
Soooooooooooo many butterflies.
So many.
I took lots of photos.
I couldn't choose, so I am sharing lots.
Hope you don't mind.
I get up close.
I think they know I am safe.
Then they swirl into the blue sky, and twirl, falling through the air with 10 other butterflies, until they catch themselves and swoop away.
I try to photograph the butterfly sky dance.
No luck.
But up close…
We see details and colors.
Little precious things.
They looove the flowers.
They spend lots of time on zinnias, marigolds and the butterfly bush flowers below.
I study them.
Nature invented polka dots.
Brilliant!
Flutters and spider webs, oh my!
Yumm yumm flower nectar!
Isn't it wonderful how nature made the wings look like eyes and faces to protect the butters?
That nature, I tell ya.
Corridors of flowers.
Hummingbirdlings…
And, when stress creeps up.
The one thing I love to do.
Soak up some vitamin D.
I am crazy mad delighted about the climbing rose vine explosion.
Imagine in spring?
All the white roses?
I dream.
I peek around.
Tea rose centers…
Lavender rose petals.
So pretty.
Blue petals climbing up.
And dinner plate dahlias.
Not so little.
But they did come from a little dry root (tuber), so that should count, right?
So big, so fluffy.
So fireworky.
Then they fall over with weight.
All the time actually.
I stake them up, and there they go again 🙂
Then I tie them.
Others plop over too.
It's a dance between us all you see.
Giantest marigold I ever spied.
And then…
The most magical thing.
Ever.
Maybe.
The butterflies might show you, just might, where they lay their eggs.
And where they live.
And where they hide.
And where you can find their family.
In a safe spot where their caterpillar babies have eaten every last leaf on the beautiful passion fruit vines.
No matter.
I don't care at all.
They're worth it.
It's better than them gobbling up the citrus trees, I say.
And so, they show you that…
Right by the madonna statue.
Underneath the marigolds and gourd vines…
Tucked safe in there.
Leaving trails of visions that will turn into dreams…
They tuck in, and place their eggs on leaves.
When the long day is over.
As…
The garden is growing whilst sleeping.
And your heart is full.
(lots of ands)
Teeth brushed.
Glass of water in hand.
Ready for bed.
You find someone warming your spot for you.
And you are ever so thankful, for all the little things.
The things that really count.
The things that are little, but huge.
Love, Vanessa
What are a couple of your favorite little things?
See you sooooon!
Man, dude! All of that is so pretty. I say God made nature.
And I think there is so much more we don’t know about.
Love your baby in that beautiful bed all dusky and soft.
Me? Chesnuts I found yesterday and turkey feathers that are so incredibly soft. You are invited, you know…if you ever travel this way!
WOW!!!
I just found your site two days ago by clicking on a link on another artist’s site. You are awesome!! There is so much to look at, so much to take in!! Really magical, I just LOVE it!!
Shabilita, I love that you said Man dude, hahahaaa! I should try
that more often 😉
Oh, Turkey feathers, dreams!!!
God for sure!
Have you seen those huge caves on the side of mountains? Or things like
this? It goes on and on of course, but yes, nature is never ending
amazement beyond words or imaginations!!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfXupHOEhH0/TAznHBRn4II/AAAAAAAARi8/1-YfSI030Qk/s1600/neversink-pit.jpg
Thanks a bunchesfor coming by Jennifer!!! 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 9/20/2012 9:11:47 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
You are one of my favorite little things. Your heart is so big and wide and you hug to pieces every moment of your day. That is a little wondrous thing. I am loving fall leaves today. Those little things amass together to make quite a symphony of color. Slowly they are turning, I see just the tips today. One day it will be an explosion. That fleeting moment is the little thing that makes Autumn worthwhile for me and makes me long for the next year when it will happen all over again.
Enjoy the day.
Give that little thing Matty a hug from me.
Erin
Favorite things is tucking into my crisp sheets on a cool evening with a good book, sipping a lovely tea in the early morning hours, and visiting you here. May I ask, is it ok to pin a picture from here? I love the one with the teapot sitting on the little stand.
Marilyn, but of course, please pin away 😉
And thank you for being so lovely!
Miss Erin!! Oh lovely you! I bet you get the most incredible
colors of autumn leaves, oh dreamy! And i get what you mean – that one
moment where the colors explode – a shift that happens in a snap, one fell
swoop…. I love that. I do.
Sometimes, in winter here in the desert, it snows. It only lasts a morning
and melts by noon time. But there is this magical moment where you have a
snow wonderland – and then, just like that, the sun makes you wonder if you were
dreaming the whole thing up 😉
Looove, V
Its sooo lovely to spend time with you, in your garden, Vanessa! Your photos just invite me in and how I wish I could sit there and watch the day unfold as you see it daily! The only other garden that has blissfully captured me so is the one my grandparents tended. I loved spending weekends with my sweet Grandma Rose and Grandpa.
Sooo I would have to say that special memories of days gone by with my Grandparents that loved me and showed me beauty in life are my special treasures. Also, my time spent venturing through your Brilliant posting! Genevieve looks beautiful amongst your morning sitting! Love that Miles, he so photogenic! <3
Miss Kellycakes!! Helloo there 😉 I know its silly to add
cakes to names, but its so fun!! 😉
Oh, your grandparents garden talejust made my heart sigh. The
memories it holds for you, how wonderful!
Special memories held deep within – they make everyday better.
Miles is sooo cute in person. He would let you hug him all day if
wanted. Matty, not so much. But I can give him hugs on behalf of
folks 😉
Happy DAY!!! 🖤
🖤
My favorite thing is finding teeny tiny folded up masterpieces drawn by my oldest girl, Charlee Anne. She loves to put them in my purse, taped to the inside of a kitchen cabinet, and anywhere place in the house that I visit often. My other favorite is from my little wild thing, Haylee, who always gets hold of my sketch books, new watercolor pads, or even books that I’m reading at the time and writes “I love you mommy” notes on one of the last few pages. In the case of a reading book, she writes the message on the flyleaf. They surprise me so randomly with these gifts of affection that I look for them almost everyday. It has become a sort of game really. I’m always asking them to give me a hint when they have hidden it well. Some days they tell me, “not this time, Mommy.” LOVELOVELOVE those beautiful girls of mine!!!!!!
Tiff, I was sooo wondering who would say the little drawings their kids
make for them. Love notes take the cake too – swwwwwwooooon! Lucky
mama you!
My friend Laura sometimes sends me art that her little named Violet
makes. I love them so.
Your babes sound like angels! Love notes from them, and the adventure
of searching, bliss!!! 🖤
Lovely post and great reminder re little things. Queenie’s world is a little heavily weighted to the mundane and those obligatory life responsibilities that can push/squeeze away time to just be with the little things. Thanks for the reminder.
My favorite little things:
Giving kisses on the Delicious dommers and doggie hugs.
I have a new favorite coffee cup… Large with celtic knots abounding and encircling a “Herself” name plate. I have my morning coffee in it everyday and it makes me smile.
Some days on my way to the mundane I take the back route through some neighborhoods and enjoy their beautiful front lawns. One house has a rosemary bush that they have trimmed into a giant bunny rabbit… it always, makes me smile.
Have a beautiful day full of little things :o)
Always, Queenie
A bunny rabbit rosemary bush!!!!!!!!!! Oh YAY! I want one
🙂
Dont worry, my life is fresh full of the mundane too. It might not
seem so, but it is. We are never free of it. The mail brings treats
and hell. Like bills, bills bills. And pups need vet visits and
sometimes family members dont feel good, and life things get out of control –
and it tries to suck you right in.
Then you fall in the shower and bruise your whole body so you cant sit on
one cheek for 4 – 3 weeks.
Just to seal the deal, you know??? hahaha!
Clashes with people etc. It is all so draining sometimes, isn’t it
though?
When you are at the mundane (job etc)- send me a vibe – I’ll help
pull you out for a minute telepathically. Is that the word?
If I can.
I can try, hahaaa!
The thing about living in my world – I have to work so hard to make sure my
brain and heart stays happy. Some days, when real life tries to drag me by
the ankles, I run away and hide 🙂 And hope it cant find me in the
cottage rafters.
And I have found also – that fresh lemonade, or fresh lemon in my hot tea
bonks out the buggers. I cant explain it. Maybe the jolt of vitamin
C? It’s why I love my fresh orange in the morning too.
I am having some lemonade now in fact. Just squeezed up and poured
over ice.
I know the lemon will aid 🙂
Refresher.
Yummm!
🖤
Puppy hugs from my little Nellie, kitty kisses from the kissiest cat ever YaYa. Motor boat purring from my secret boyfriend Claude Monet. Puttering in my gardens. And today I made beautiful smells in my kitchen with a humongous batch of chicken stock and made 11 containers of pesto. And now, a cup of coffee and reading your sweet blog.
XO,
Lisa
LISA!!! You are amazing, oh my!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Youve
inspired me!! Best finish updating flickr pictures and do something BIG
😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 9/20/2012 12:46:43 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
OMG! The lavender roses, the morning glories, that marigold and the hummingbird!!! What a treat. It’s all so lovely. Little things: clean flannel sheets and a down quilt on a cold night, waking up to a blanket of snow after it snowed all night, the peaceful quiet in the evening after a day of shoveling snow, a roof over my head and food to eat. I’m so thankful for these, and for you, too, Vanessa. I’m so glad I discovered your blog – it brightens my world!
It definitely is the little things, Vanessa! Some of mine are a smile from my granddaughter, laughing so hard you can’t breathe for a minute, and feeling content in your home. I love those shots you got of your butterflies. Their wings are just gorgeous. It has been chilly here, too. Last night I actually considered wearing some bed socks!
Oh, Vanessa! Appreciation for the little things–the flowers, the butterflies, the hummingbirds, a soft and furry bed warmer. Thank you for this reminder! I have been a bit melancholic today, and your post is a little ray of sunshine for me.
What is a little thing that brightens my world? Being able to create something that I can give someone else to brighten THEIR world! Lately I have loved creating little paper flowers using decorative punches. After I punch them out, I get them wet, wrinkle them between my fingers to give them a more natural look, let them dry, and spritz them with strong tea for a bit of an aged look. Then I glue the layers together, sometimes adding glitter, especially course clear glitter. Then I have a lovely little something for embellishing a gift for someone. I don’t know why, but I find it very therapeutic to fashion these petites fleurs. They are a “little thing” I am appreciating these days. : )
Isn’t it lovely that sugar cubes can be such an indulgence?
OH the flowers sound divine!!!!!!!!!!! I can picture them now.
You always make such wonderfully pretty things!! I love my see box and my
pin!!! And my clothespin!! Love, Vanessa
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 9/20/2012 4:44:00 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I know, arent they just the best? Even if I dont use them.
Its like, hello cube sugar!!!! You are lovely!! hahaa!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 9/20/2012 5:24:51 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
My favorite little things are my dog Bonsai and my cat Otis. They do a comedy routine for me most nights where Bonsai (a wiener dog) runs really fast around the bedroom and then Otis leaps over his back. I have tried many times to get it on video, but somehow they always know!Anyway, they send me to bed laughing every night with their shenanigans!
Vanessa dearest,
You know I adore your enchanted garden…for here it is that I come to unwind to see your bliss…the butterflies are beyond incredible with their polka dot bodies…your flowers are glorious and that is by far the most immense Calendula/marigold I have ever laid eyes on! I could just see someone from France purchasing your Genevieve and putting her in a French coffee shop. I love cooler night to cozy up under blankets. This year has flown but Autumn is my favorite time of year. I am happy it is here. I did find an article about Primroses and their glandular filments which can fly into the air causing the oils to land on the skin and can be poisonous to sensitive individuals. Just thinking back to when you had your reaction. I almost think one of your friend’s husbands may have had that information too on one of your posts.
I know you did extensive research at that time. It’s just crazy what we find and discover through research which may help us at some point in our lives. I am still learning as there is always something, some times they are fantastic or scary things in life that we never knew before. Life is like that.
Always fairy dust around the corner too…
Oh M, they sound so funny!!! What loves!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 9/20/2012 8:19:04 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Such a beautiful post Vanessa! So many amazing butterflies and such good photos. That one above the part where you wrote about their wings looking like faces looks like a cat’s face to me. My nasturtiums were completely munched up by cabbage white butterflies but like you say, it was worth it for the butterflies later. I totally agree about the little things-so many good things that are so easy to have and to appreciate. This week there have been amazing clouds, red cranes against grey, a change of duvet cover to a warmer one now the weather is turning and the smell of wet cat fur(sounds a bit disgusting as I write it but it really isn’t!) I also found three particularly good feather to add to my feather collection, so it is all good! Have a lovely weekend. x
I’m amazed how different our butterflies are, with the exception of the monarchs. We don’t live all that far from each other, but you have so many butterflies I’ve never seen.
Sarah, I adore your fave things!! And I can understand why you love
the smell of wet cat – the same way I love my doggies and their breath
;)))
Eeewugh to some, but lovely to me 😉
xoxo
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 9/21/2012 12:20:07 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Welllll I sort of HAVE seen (been in) the largest cave in the world…because it is an hour from me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammoth_Cave_National_Park
Craziness!
Okay…freaky nature thing…go google Geo duck. It’s edible and unforgettable! :/ Hahahahahhaaa!!!! Go get Lovee and tell him to sit down first ..tee heeeeeee heee
The geo duck looks horrible but is it tasty? I for one L O V E fresh
water eel.
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 9/21/2012 10:40:12 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I like sugar cubes, too.
Hey–have you ever molded sugar? That’s been on my list to try. Pretty sugar shapes.
It is indeed the little things that matter most. 🙂 Simple pleasures that are often taken for granted. 🙂 Your butterfly photos are MAGICAL!!!! I could gaze at them for days!